Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2,230, Abram H Garrison, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Garrison, Abram H " Abraham H.
S. 2,230
CONTENTS
carded

New Jersey 92.8.31
Abraham H Garrison
of Franklin in the State of N.J.
who was a Private in the _____ command
by Captain _____ of the _____ command
by _____ in the N.J. troops
time for 7 mo 10 days
Inscribed on the Roll of N.J.
at the rate of 24 Dollars 44 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Nov 1833 and sent to the Applicant Paterson Post Office
Arrears to the 4th of Sep '33 $ 61. 10
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th Mar '34 12. 22
$ 73. 32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by C. Laurie Clerk Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 113

Wm Lloyd Garrison

State of New Jersey Bergen County ss State of New Jersey Bergen County ss
January 1833. On the 23 d day of October 1832 before the Judges Personally appeared in open court being also out of record so constituted by the laws of New Jersey now sitting Abraham H. Garrison a resident of Franklin in the County of Bergen and State of New Jersey aged seventy four years 28 th June 1832 who being first sworn according to law doth on his oath make the the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832
That the Militia Company to whom he was attached, was closed into full equal numbers as the officers, under the order of Governor Livingston, thought proper, and like taken to be called into service, on an alarm, or monthly duty, on the lines in the place of the regular troops - and was called minute men. That his memory does not serve him so as to give all the particular dates of his service
That he entered the service of his country in Franklin Bergen County in 1776 - and served at New York ten days under Capt. Grinus Van Hunter at the time the British landed on Long Island
1 Month, the same year, at Elizabeth Town raising a Battery at the point - and then moved to Fort Lee on the North River and working at the Fort under Capt. Grinus Van Hunter - left home in the month of August
1 Month at Milstone (Somerset) under Capt. G. Van Hunter. Col. Dey commanding -
1 Month at Blooms North River, under Capt. Blauk by Peter Carr his substitute, hired and paid him to serve in my place
1 Month at Hackensack under Capt. Van Brink served a few days himself - then hired and paid Capt. Van Hunter to serve the residue of his month - hiring no one at home to take charge of and fodder his cattle
1 Month at Hopper Town under Capt. Willis
1 Month, at Lignum vitae, Hackensack and the Red Mills -

1 Month at the Log house (head) (blank), guarding prisoners while Abm Manning was Sheriff —
I served one month at Slaughterdam in Bergen County under Capt Richard Day
I served one month at Brownswick under Lieut Col Van Housen in 1778 — when the British army passed through New Jersey back to New York —
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and claims that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any of the United States —
Given to Leibentree the day of year aforesaid Abraham H Garrison
Personally appeared before me Isaac H. Cooper a Justice of the Peace of the Peace for the County of Bergen in the State of New Jersey Zach th H. Cooper a Clergyman residing in Franklin in Bergen County and Thomas Hammond residing in the same County certify under oath that we are well acquainted with Abraham Garrison who has subscribed and sworn the within declaration that we believe to be about seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion — and the said Zach th H. Cooper further saith that his health is such that he cannot well attend Court —
Sworn before me Mar 28 th Oct 1832
Zach th H. Cooper Pastor his Thomas H. Hammond mark
Wm Doyler
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Zach th H. Cooper who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the township of Franklin in the County of Bergen, and that Thomas Hammond who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Per Curiam Wm. Wettenhall Clerk

Interrrogatories by Phelps and
1 st  Where in what year was you born — In Franklin Township, Rensselaer Co. — was born Answer. In the year 1758.
2 nd Have you any record of your age, if so where is it —
Ans r Have no record of my age.
3 rd Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolution — and where do you now live —
Ans r In Frank — I have resided here since the Revolution and now reside here.
4 th How was you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom
Ans r was as often with my neighbors and lived in town.
5 th State the names of some of the officers who were with you, where you served, pick Continental or Militia Regiments you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Ans r Capt. W. Van Staveren Capt. Willis Galt Dry — Pusey & Bower & Coopers at Elizabethton — town pond.
6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it —
Ans r never had a written discharge.
7 th State the names of persons to whom you are acquainted or known in your own neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character and fidelity, and good behavior your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Ans r Rev. Dr. L. B. Mead — Capt. W. B. Bower Capt. B. Bower — left my town —

23728
Abraham H. Garrison Bergen County New Jersey 23 3 / 11
Rel. d. i. f.
7 u 10 days - 24.44
to the Applicant Paterson Post Office
Ann Gelfman Hampton New Jersey

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
A. Lane 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Abraham H. Garrison Bergen Co. N. Jersey
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entered 1776 10 priv. none given 74 Franklin Bergen Co N. Jersey Traditionary Living Witness   " 1 Col. Day   " 1 none given   " 1   " 1   " 1   " 1   " 1   " 1   " 1   " 1   1778 1   9 10  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[f] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Bartlett
H. Newman Bn

Rev War
2230 INVALID.
en
11
File No. 2230
Abraham H. Garra
Print Rev War
Act: June 7, 1882
Index:—Vol. A, Page 136
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

State of New Jersey,
Bergen County Common Pleas,
On the 27 th day of January 1838 personally appeared in open court before the judges now sitting being a panel of record re constituted by the laws of the State of New Jersey Thomas Hammund aged eighty two years resident in the County of Bergen who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he has been acquainted with abn. H. Garrison now applying for a pension from his childhood to the present day always living in the same neighborhood with the said Garrison. That the said deponent well remembers that the said Garrison was in the ninth year at New York and lived with him under Capt. Cornelius Van Saun in the summer of 1776.
That the same summer he passed one month with Capt. Van Saun at Elizabeth Town point in N. Jersey and to his return near New York.
That about the month of Oct. same year he passed with said Garrison at Fort Lee on the north under the same Capt.
That in the winter of 1777 he passed under Capt. Van Saun at Milstone in the County of Somerset. Col. Day Commanding the Regiment. The British at this time was at New Brunswick.
One month at Clinton on the north then under Col. Blanch then a Capt.
he passed one month at Hackensack under Capt. Van Brink and one month at the same place under Capt. Willis.

He then served one month at Aquia Creek only under Capt. Geo. Willis, and one month under at Pamunkey under the same Capt. Willis. He served one month at the Log road in Franklin Township guarding prisoners. Abm. Manning was Sheriff and further saith that the said Wm H Garrison sustains a good character as to veracity and honesty, may he be believed under oath.
Sworn to, and subscribed in open court the day & year aforesaid. W. M. McIlwaine, Clerk
Thos H Hammond Mark

Wm Lloyd Garrison
Ms. A. 9. 2. 22
23728

State of New Jersey Bergen County Common Pleas
On the 23 rd day of January 1833 personally appeared in open court before the judges now sitting being a Court of Record so constituted by the laws of the State of New Jersey John S. Boadolf who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he has been acquainted with Abm H. Garrison from his youth to the present day, the said Garrison being an applicant to be put on the pension roll under the act of Congress of the 4 th June 1832. That the said Abm H. Garrison was a soldier of the Revolution that they served one month together under Capt Grinas Van Houten at the taking of Fort Lee on the North River - Coloneers By Commanding - The deponent further saith that the Garrison is reported to be a man of good character as to piety and honesty, and may be believed under oath —
John S Boadolf
Sworn to, & subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid Wm: Westerveldt Clerk
I Abraham Westerveldt Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Bergen Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham H. Garrison for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 23 rd day of January A.D. 1833.
Wm: Westerveldt Clerk

No. 1.
State of New Jersey
Bergen County } On the 22 nd day of August 1833 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Abraham H. Garrison of Franklin in said County aged 74 years and personally well known in said County and to the Subscriber as a man of truth and good standing And being duly sworn, on his oath saith that he is the same Mr. H. Garrison who on the 23 rd day of January 1833 Made a declaration under oath of his Revolutionary Services, in Order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, which was done in open Court then sitting in and for said County. When his original declaration was made out the pressure of business was such as to prevent him from detailing minutely each tour of duty as the officers who commanded and the nature of each and time of each engagement as he has since learned is necessary. He has bestowed more thought on the subject and desiring that the Secretary of War and Commissioner of Pensions, will receive this as his amended declaration, of the Revolutionary services he performed.
The First interrogatory not being answered in his original declaration was questioned by the court and answered by him that he was born in the Township Franklin County of Bergen, State of New Jersey in the year 1758. And to the Second that the Record of his age is recorded in the Consistory of the Dutch Church at Paramus in the County of Bergen
When he first entered the Service was living in the township of Franklin Bergen County, when he volunteered under Capt. Crinus van Houten, Belgium was in July or Aug. 1775. And served Ten days. Stationed in the City of New York, when he was compelled by necessity to obtain leave of absence. His duty was, watching the British who when then lying off the Hook - expecting they would soon land - Col. Junius Dey commanding.
He then volunteered for One Month under Capt. Crinus van Houten at a place called the Ponds in the County of Bergen

From whence they were Marched to Eliz th Town Essex County where their duty was to make a fortification, and guard duty. The British then in possession of Staten Island, this was in 1775. but cannot positively say what Month. Col. T Dey Commanding Regt. to which he belonged, but does not remember the Commanding officer at Eliz th Town. Served this engagement and was discharged.
He then as a Volunteer Served One Month under Capt. Crinus Van Houten think, it was in the Month of Oct. or November, in 1776. Was Stationed at Fort Lee, building the Fort, guarding the landing places on the North River the British then being in possession of the City of New York. Col. T. Dey Commanding Regt. after serving the time was discharged.
He Served One Month having volunteered at the Ponds Bergen County, under Capt. Crinus Van Houten, from whence, was Marched to Millstone, believe Somerset County their duty being, to watch the enemy, they being then in New Brunswick, this tour of service was in the Winter of 1776 Served out the time and was discharged. — Col. T Dey Commanding Regt.
Under Capt. C Van Houten He Served One Month being drafted in 1778. Summer at the Ponds and was Marched to New Brunswick Somerset County, he believing where they were Stationed, doing Guard duty, in this town the Battle of Monmouth took place, having served the time was discharged. Was drafted in the Year 1778 in the Mo th Oct r , and Served One Month Under Capt. Willis, was Stationed at Hoppen Town, New Bridge in County of Bergen doing Guard duty. Col. T Dey Commanding Regt. was discharged after serving the time.
One Month under Capt. John Willis. Lieut. Cyser having the charge of the Company, was Stationed at the Log Jail, guarding the prisoners then confined in said Jail. — Abraham Manning being

then Sheriff. this tour of service was performed in the Spring of 1779. Col. Francis Dey commanding Regt. - Served the time was discharged.
He served One Month, in the Year 1780 Month of August as a volunteer under Capt. John Willis, stationed at Haverstraw, doing duty as guard in his Original declaration this tour was mentioned, being under Richard Dey, which is a mistake of the draught as Richard Dey was then Major - Served the time and was discharged. Col. Francis Dey Commanding Regt. - And Richard Dey Major.
His last tour was rendered in the Year 1781, does not exactly remember the Month, but believes was in August when he served One Month under Capt. Willis being drafted, Stationed at Acquackunkon Essex County and at Hackensack Bergen County - doing guard duty Col. Dey Commanding Regt. - served the time and was discharged.
In his Original declaration, it stated that he served two Months, at a period, which was an error of the draught, as all his tours of service were rendered Monthly.
In his Original declaration it stated through the error of the draught that the services rendered at Eliz. Town and Fort Lee was only one Month, this is incorrect, it being as stated in this declaration two distinct tours of service.
From the great length of time which has elapsed since the before recited services, many particulars must have escaped his memory, in the order of time he may have fallen into mistake, he asks a reasonable allowance for the frailty of human memory. He has endeavored to adhere to the truth in all the occurrences of which he has spoken and he believes he has faithfully served his country, being in actual service in the field, for not less than the full period of Eight Months and Ten days as a Private, as alleged in this declaration, and that he often served his country, when at

Home, being on alarms. — for which he asks no compensation. — And further says that he never was a Minute Man.
Sworn and Subscribed to before,
Abraham H. Garrison
Me this 24 th day of Aug t 1833
James Van Houten Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey Bergen County } No 2.
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid John S Bertholf of Franklin in said County Aged 72 years who being duly sworn on his oath doth declare, that he is personally ac- quainted with Abraham Garrison of said place being now an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 And that he has a perfect recollection of serving in the War of the Revolution, in the same Company, as a fellow soldier, with the applicant, in the following tours —
One Month in year 1775. Months of October November Under Capt: C Van Houten Stationed at Fort Lee Bergen County, holding the Fort and doing guard duty —
One Month in year of 1780 Mo s of Aug t and Sep t Under Capt: Willis Stationed at Slaughterdam Bergen County doing duty as guard —
And knows he served the following tours, though not in the same Company, but were present at the same time and same Stations
One Month in the year of 1778 Month of July as he believes Under Capt: C Van Houten, when he was Marched off to New Brunswick Somerset County.
One Month in the year 1779 in Months of March and Apr t . Under Capt: Lieut: Dyer Eyerson. Stationed at the Log Jail at the Ponds, Franklin. Bergen County, guarding prisoners confined in said Jail
Also One Month at Hopper Town in the year 1778 as he believes, Under Capt: Willis doing guard duty —

The great length of time which has elapsed since the above services were rendered. He may have fallen into mistakes as to the order of time, but the performance of the engaged services mentioned he is confident was faithfully served, in actual service in the field for the terms as stated.
Sworn and Subscribed to before John S Boertoff Me this 24 th day of Aug t 1883 } James Van Horn Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey Bergen County } N o 3.
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for County and State aforesaid
Aaron Garrison of Franklin in said County Aged 78 years who being duly sworn, on his oath, doth declare that he personally acquainted with Abraham Garrison Now residing in said County and State of New Jersey and that the said Abraham Garrison being now an ap- -plicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, perfectly recollects of serving with the said Abraham Garrison in the following tours, as a fellow Sold- -ier, in the same Company's and for the full periods men- -tioned in the War of the Revolution.
That he served Ten days, in year 1776, M o of July, under Capt C Van Houten, Stationed at the City of New York, doing qua- -rd duty.
One Month, in year 1776, Month of August Under Capt C Van Houten Stationed at Eliz th Town & Spec l County, working on fortification, doing guard duty.
One Month in year 1776, Month of Oct r and Nov r Under Capt C Van Houten Stationed at Fort Lee working on the Fort, and doing guard duty.
One Month in year 1776 Winter Under Capt C Van Houten Stationed at Millstone, Somerset County, watching the enemy who was then in possession of New Brunswick.
Errata One Month Year 1778 Month in the Summer Under Capt C Van Houten Stationed at New Brunswick Somerset County - doing guard duty.
And he knows that he the applicant served the follow- -ing tours of Service, though not in the same Company's, but

were on the same Stations, for the full periods, as follows
One Month does not recollect the year, was Stationed at the Sag Harbor, at the Ponds County of Bergen guarding the Prisoners, then confined in said Sail — believes Lieut. Col. Lyman had command on this tour —
One Month at Oquawka, Iowa County in the year does not remember Under Capt. John Willis —
The great length of time which has elapsed since the above recited Services, he may have fallen into mistake as to the order of time, but the full period of the term alleged, he is positive was faithfully performed — being actual Service in the field —
Sworn and Subscribed to before Me this 24 th day of Aug t 1833 } Aaron D. Garrison James Van Houten } his mark Justice of the Peace
I do hereby Certify to the Secretary of War and Commissioner of Pensions that John S. Bartholf and Aaron Garrison whose affidavits with their signatures attached to the Amended Declaration of Abraham H. Garrison, who when sworn before me are Credible Witnesses and fully entitled to belief —
James Van Houten Justice

State of New Jersey Bergen County } ss
No 4. I, John J. Berthoff, of the same place aged 73 years who being duly sworn saith that he is the same John J. Berthoff who on the 23 rd day of January 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Judges of said court and made affidavit as to the services of Abraham H. Garrison during the Revolutionary war and also and affirmant for a pension that the said deponent's statement as set forth in said affidavit in relation to said Garrison's services at Fort Lee is incorrect and an error on the part of the drawer of the same, inasmuch as the services or duty of said Garrison was that of aiding and assisting in building said Fort, and not taking the same.
Sworn and subscribed before me This 5 th of November 1833 James Van Brunt Justice of the Peace
John J. Berthoff
I do hereby certify to the Secretary of War and Commission of Pension that John J. Berthoff whose affidavit with his deposition attached to the amended Declaration of Abraham H. Garrison and sworn before me is a credible person and fully entitled to belief.
James Van Brunt

State of New Jersey County of Bergen
ss: I Abraham Westervelt Clerk of the County of Bergen and Clerk of the inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Do hereby certify that James Van Horsten whose name is subscribed to the Deed of the within & annexed Affidavits of Abraham H. Garrison marked N o . 1. of John S. Bartolf marked N o . 2. - of Aaron Garrison marked N o . 3. and of John S. Bartolf marked N o . 4. was on the respective dates thereof still is a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned & sworn & authorized by law to take the same - & further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice & truly believe that his signature to said Deeds, as well as to the within Certificate is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this sixth day of November A.D. 1833.
Ab: Westervelt Clerk

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Garrison, Benjamin GRADE Private LINE New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER 8336 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED December 27, 1798 To — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.